Collector & Reseller Glossary

What the jargon actually means — and what it does to resale value. 3,211 terms across 12 categories.

62 terms starting with “N” · page 1 of 2

1. N64Video Games
   This refers to the Nintendo 64, a popular 3D console from the mid-1990s. For collectors and resellers, the N64 represents a significant piece of gaming history, often sought after for its unique gameplay experiences and
2. near mintTrading Cards
   This grading term describes a card that is in excellent condition, showing only very minor signs of wear that do not significantly detract from its overall appeal. A near mint card is essentially pristine, often appearin
3. near mint cardTrading Cards
   This grading designation refers to a trading card that is in excellent condition, showing only very minor signs of wear that do not significantly detract from its overall appeal. A near mint card is essentially pristine,
4. near mint card priceTrading Cards
   This refers to the estimated market value of a trading card that is in near mint condition. Near mint is a grading standard indicating the card is exceptionally well-preserved, showing only minor, almost unnoticeable wea
5. near mint conditionTrading Cards
   This grading standard signifies that a trading card is in excellent, near-perfect physical condition. It means the card exhibits very minimal signs of wear, such as slight edge whitening or minor surface scuffs, but thes
6. near mint condition cardTrading Cards
   This describes a trading card that is in excellent shape, showing only very minor signs of wear consistent with careful handling. It is not flawless, like a graded Mint, but it is far superior to Near Mint or Lightly Pla
7. near mint in boxVideo Games
   This condition describes a video game that is virtually flawless, both the game case and the accompanying materials, and it is still sealed within its original packaging. "Near Mint" signifies that the item shows minimal
8. near mint looseToys
   This describes a toy that is in excellent physical condition, appearing almost brand new, but is not sealed in its original packaging. The term "loose" signifies that the item is sold without any box, blister card, or pr
9. near mint on cardToys
   This grading describes a toy that is in excellent physical condition, appearing almost brand new, while still being sealed within its original packaging. The "on card" aspect is crucial because it means the toy is displa
10. near mint on card chaseToys
    This describes a toy that is in near mint condition while still being attached to its original packaging, often referred to as "on card." The "chase" aspect signifies that the item is a rare, sought-after variant, limite
11. near mint on card gradedToys
    This designation indicates a toy that is in excellent physical condition, closely resembling new, but has been professionally graded while still attached to its original packaging. The grading process assesses the toy's
12. near mint on card variantToys
    This describes a toy that is in near-mint condition while still being attached to its original packaging, or "card." The "variant" aspect means it is a specific, perhaps rarer, version of the toy within that line, such a
13. near mint on card vintageToys
    This describes a toy that is in excellent, near-perfect condition, both the toy itself and its original packaging, which is still sealed on the card. For collectors, the "on card" aspect is crucial as it preserves the or
14. near mint packagingToys
    This describes a toy that is in excellent, near-perfect condition, specifically referring to its original box or packaging. Near mint means the packaging shows minimal signs of wear—perhaps a tiny corner ding or slight s
15. near perfectTrading Cards
    This grading descriptor signifies a card that is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting minimal to no visible flaws. It suggests the card is in near-mint condition, meaning any imperfections are extremely minor and do
16. needleVinyl & Music
    This refers to the stylus or diamond tip at the bottom of a turntable cartridge. It is the component that physically tracks the grooves etched into the vinyl record, translating the physical vibrations into an electrical
17. needle dropVinyl & Music
    This refers to the precise moment the stylus or needle of a turntable is placed onto the vinyl record's groove. For collectors and resellers, the quality of the needle drop is crucial because it directly impacts the soun
18. negative feedbackReselling
    This refers to any unfavorable reviews or ratings left by a buyer or seller on online marketplaces. For a reseller, a history of negative feedback is a significant liability because it directly impacts buyer trust and th
19. NESVideo Games
    This abbreviation refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a highly influential 8-bit console from the late 1980s. For resellers and collectors, the NES represents a foundational piece of gaming history, making its a
20. nes-ucVideo Games
    This term refers to a Nintendo Entertainment System cartridge that has been modified to allow for the use of Ultra Controller or similar specialized controllers. These modifications are often done to improve playability
21. net profitReselling
    This refers to the final amount of money you actually keep after all expenses related to a sale have been deducted from the selling price. It is calculated by taking the gross revenue from the sale and subtracting the or
22. new balanceSneakers
    This refers to the brand New Balance, a well-established footwear company known for its blend of retro aesthetics and modern athletic performance. For resellers and collectors, the brand offers a wide spectrum of styles,
23. new releaseSneakers
    This refers to a sneaker model that has just been officially launched by the manufacturer and is currently fresh off the production line. For resellers and collectors, the status of a new release is critical because it o
24. newsstand copyComics
    This refers to a comic book that was purchased directly from a local comic shop or a newsstand, rather than being pulled from a bulk lot or a specific collector's trade. The term implies the book was sold to the general
25. newsstand editionComics
    This refers to a comic book that was sold directly through local newsstands rather than through specialized comic book shops. These editions often reflect the distribution methods of the era in which they were published.
26. NGC gradingCoins & Currency
    This refers to the professional grading service provided by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, a leading third-party authenticator for coins and paper money. NGC assigns a numerical grade, typically ranging from 1 to 70, w
27. NGCCoins & Currency
    NGC stands for Numismatic Guaranty Company, a leading third-party grading service that encapsulates coins in tamper-evident holders to provide an objective, verifiable assessment of their condition, which directly dictat
28. ngpcgs gradeCoins & Currency
    This refers to a grading service provided by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, one of the leading third-party authenticators in the coin collecting world. When a coin receives an NGC grade, it means a professional expert
29. niche marketVideo Games
    A niche market refers to a small, specialized segment within the broader video game collecting or reselling community. Instead of dealing in mainstream, highly popular titles, a niche focuses on specific genres, obscure
30. nickelCoins & Currency
    This refers to a specific denomination of coinage, typically made of nickel or a nickel alloy. For collectors, the specific year, mint mark, and condition of the nickel are paramount to its value. A common, circulated ni
31. nikeSneakers
    This refers to the globally recognized athletic footwear and apparel brand. For resellers and collectors, the brand name itself is a massive driver of perceived value, as it signifies quality, cultural relevance, and mar
32. nike sbSneakers
    This abbreviation refers to Nike SB, which stands for Nike Skateboarding. These shoes were specifically designed and marketed for skateboarding culture, giving them a distinct aesthetic, construction, and often a niche f
33. nintendoVideo Games
    This refers to the video game company, Nintendo, and its associated hardware and software. For resellers and collectors, knowing the specific Nintendo platform—such as NES, SNES, N64, or Switch—is crucial because each co
34. nintendo 64Video Games
    This refers to the classic Nintendo 64 video game console, a significant piece of gaming history known for its unique analog stick control and cartridge-based media. For resellers and collectors, the console itself is a
35. nintendo americaVideo Games
    This refers to the North American division of Nintendo, the company that manufactures and distributes video games and related merchandise. For collectors and resellers, knowing the region is crucial because games release
36. nintendo esVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a foundational console in video game history. For collectors and resellers, the ES designation is crucial because it identifies the specific hardware platform. The condit
37. nintendo esrVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System, a foundational console in the history of video gaming. For collectors, owning an original NES is significant because it represents the dawn of the modern home console mar
38. nintendo euVideo Games
    This refers to video games or related merchandise specifically released or distributed within the European Union market by Nintendo. It is a geographical designation, not a specific condition or grading, but it is crucia
39. nintendo europeVideo Games
    This refers to the specific regional version of Nintendo video games released for the European market. Games are often region-locked, meaning hardware designed for one territory may not function with software from anothe
40. nintendo japanVideo Games
    This refers to games, merchandise, or consoles originally released or specifically manufactured for the Japanese market by Nintendo. For collectors and resellers, items designated as "Japan" variants often hold significa
41. nintendo jpVideo Games
    This refers to video games originally released in Japan, often bearing the Japanese language and regional specifications. For resellers and collectors, these titles can be highly desirable due to regional exclusivity, un
42. nintendo sealVideo Games
    This refers to the official, factory-applied plastic wrapping or seal found on original video game cases, particularly for Nintendo titles. These seals are designed by the manufacturer to indicate that the product is bra
43. nintendo selectVideo Games
    This refers to the Nintendo Select Disk system, a unique console accessory that allowed users to play a vast library of Nintendo game cartridges without needing to physically swap them. Instead, the disks held the game d
44. nintendo switchVideo Games
    This refers to the popular handheld and home console developed by Nintendo. For resellers and collectors, the specific model—such as the original, OLED, or Lite—is crucial as each carries a different market value based o
45. nintendo usVideo Games
    This term refers to games, consoles, and accessories officially released by Nintendo specifically for the North American market. Collectors and resellers look for the specific regional markings, such as the "U" or "USA"
46. NM vinylVinyl & Music
    Near Mint vinyl describes a record that is practically flawless, exhibiting minimal to no signs of wear. This grading signifies that the vinyl surface is pristine, with no noticeable scratches, scuffs, or groove wear tha
47. non playableVideo Games
    This term refers to video game accessories, peripherals, or components that do not allow the user to actively participate in the gameplay experience. Examples include display stands, charging docks, or specialized contro
48. non-foilTrading Cards
    This refers to trading cards that lack the holographic or metallic, reflective coating commonly found on premium or "foil" versions of the same card. While foil cards often command higher prices due to their visual appea
49. non-foil designTrading Cards
    This refers to trading cards that do not have a holographic or metallic, reflective coating applied to the artwork or borders. Unlike foil cards, which catch the light and often command a premium, non-foil designs are th
50. non-holoTrading Cards
    This refers to a trading card that does not possess a holographic or reflective foil treatment on its surface. Many modern cards feature intricate, shimmering patterns that catch the light, which significantly drives up
51. non-tournament legalTrading Cards
    This designation refers to trading cards that were produced or are intended for casual play, collecting, or display, rather than for sanctioned competitive events. In the context of collectible card games, tournament leg
52. nostalgia factorVideo Games
    This refers to the emotional pull a product has for buyers based on positive memories associated with its original release era. For video games, this often means titles from childhood or formative gaming periods. The nos
53. note typeCoins & Currency
    This refers to the specific design, series, or variant of a paper currency note. For collectors, the note type is crucial because subtle changes in printing, paper stock, or design elements can signify a different issue,
54. note varietyCoins & Currency
    This refers to subtle differences in a banknote's design, printing, or paper stock that distinguish it from other versions of the same issue. These variations can be caused by changes in the printing plates, shifts in th
55. NSCVideo Games
    Nintendo Seal of Quality. This is an official mark placed by Nintendo on its products, signifying that the game or console meets Nintendo's rigorous quality standards for design, functionality, and performance. For colle
56. NTSC versionVideo Games
    This refers to a video game cartridge or disc originally manufactured for the North American market, utilizing the National Television System Committee standard for video output. In the context of collecting and resellin
57. numbered cardTrading Cards
    A card bearing a specific sequential number, such as 1 of 100, indicates its place within a set or print run. This numbering is a key indicator of scarcity, which directly impacts collectible value. Lower numbers, especi
58. numbered editionTrading Cards
    A numbered edition refers to a specific run of a trading card set where each card is assigned a unique sequential number, indicating its place within that particular printing or release. This numbering system is a key in
59. numismaticCoins & Currency
    This term refers to the study and collection of currency, including coins, tokens, and paper money. Numismatics is a specialized field that goes beyond simply collecting; it involves the historical, artistic, and metallu
60. numismatic valueCoins & Currency
    This refers to the specialized monetary worth of a coin based on its rarity, condition, historical significance, and demand within the collecting community, rather than its face value. Unlike bullion value, which is base